Recording Petroglyphs

• Purpose

• Mandate

• Authority

• Policy Statement

• Operational Procedures

Revised: May 7, 1997

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this directive on recording petroglyphs is to provide guidance to Archaeology Branch staff, rock art researchers, consulting archaeologists and the public as to the considerations that should be taken into account and the general procedures to be followed when recording this type of site.

A petroglyph is an aboriginal rock carving. Petroglyphs are protected under the provisions of the Heritage Conservation Act. Any recording technique involving direct application of materials to the surface of petroglyphs should only be undertaken when other methods of recording are not adequate for research or resource management purposes. Casting and making rubbings of petroglyphs are two methods of recording and replicating the physical characteristics of rock carvings. However, both methods may cause the loss of surface rock, lichen and rock varnish (surface patina), and have the potential to significantly damage carvings on soft stones such as sandstone.

MANDATE:

To facilitate the protection and conservation of rock art sites of historical or archaeological value.

AUTHORITY:

Under section 13(2)(c) of the Heritage Conservation Act (1996 RSBC, Chap. 187), a person must not damage, alter, cover or move an aboriginal rock painting or carving that has historical or archaeological value. A permit issued under section 12 or 14 of the Act is required before a person can undertake any actions affecting petroglyphs.

Pursuant to section 12(1), the Director and Manager, Permitting and Assessment Section, of the Archaeology Branch have been authorized in writing by the Minister to exercise the powers of the Minister to issue permits under sections 12(2) and 14(2) of the Heritage Conservation Act.

POLICY STATEMENT:

A permit, pursuant to section 12 or 14 of the Heritage Conservation Act, will be required for casting or making rubbings of petroglyphs unless the Archaeology Branch is provided with a report from a professional conservator stating that the proposed activity will not alter (i.e., change in any manner) the petroglyph(s).

OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES

When proposing to record petroglyphs utilizing techniques involving the direct application of materials to the surface of the rock, the following procedures will normally be undertaken:

• a professional conservator must have examined the petroglyph(s), and provided a written opinion as to whether or not the recording technique is likely to alter the petroglyph(s);
• a permit must be obtained from the Archaeology Branch only in cases where a conservator has determined that the proposed recording technique(s) is likely to alter the petroglyph;
• a permit application is to be submitted to the Archaeology Branch for review in accordance with branch permit application review procedures.